Ben Shelton suggests rule change for Zverev's ball-bouncing during US Open
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 8:49 AM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
At the 2026 US Open final, Alexander Zverev secured his second Grand Slam title by defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2. Throughout the tournament, Zverev's habit of excessively bouncing the ball before second serves drew criticism from opponents and fans alike. Shelton proposed a new rule to limit time on second serves, emphasizing the impact on pacing and spectator experience. Zverev received a time violation for excessive ball bouncing during the final match, which was met with applause from the crowd.
- •Zverev's victory marks his second Grand Slam title.
- •Shelton criticized Zverev's ball-bouncing habit post-match.
- •Zverev received a time violation for delays in the final.
- •Shelton advocates for a time limit on second serves.
- •Zverev's performance influenced discussions on serving rules.
- 8:49 AMYahoo Sports — Ben Shelton calls for service rule change after US Open final defeat
- 8:18 AMYahoo Sports — Ben Shelton demands change to ‘stupid’ rule after Alexander Zverev’s controversial ball bouncing
- 4:54 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Stupid Rule’ – Ben Shelton Details His Dispute With US Open Umpire Over Alexander Zverev’s Controversial Habit
- 2:29 AMYahoo Sports — US Open: Ben Shelton suggest rule change over champion Alexander Zverev's ball-bouncing habit
- 2:29 AMYahoo Sports — US Open: Ben Shelton suggests rule change over champion Alexander Zverev's ball-bouncing habit
"Alexander Zverev’s lengthy pre-serve routine has been a topic of contention throughout his campaign at the 2026 US Open, drawing scrutiny from players and fans alike. Following his loss in the final of the New York Major, Ben Shelton shared his candid thoughts on Zverev’s time-consuming habit, revealing how it caused a disagreement with the chair umpire.
"New York (dpa) -Beaten US Open finalist Ben Shelton has called for a change to a “stupid” rule after being told he had to stand in position while Alexander Zverev bounces the ball. Zverev’s service routine has irked a number of players this fortnight, with the German bouncing the ball up to 25 times before starting his serving motion.
"Ben Shelton was not happy at being made to wait for Alexander Zverev to bounce the ball as many as 25 times before hitting his serve
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 8:49 AMBen Shelton calls for service rule change after US Open final defeat
New York (dpa) -Beaten US Open finalist Ben Shelton has called for a change to a “stupid” rule after being told he had to stand in position while Alexander Zverev bounces the ball. Zverev’s service routine has irked a number of players this fortnight, with the German bouncing the ball up to 25 times before starting his serving motion.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 8:18 AMBen Shelton demands change to ‘stupid’ rule after Alexander Zverev’s controversial ball bouncing
Ben Shelton was not happy at being made to wait for Alexander Zverev to bounce the ball as many as 25 times before hitting his serve
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 4:54 AM‘Stupid Rule’ – Ben Shelton Details His Dispute With US Open Umpire Over Alexander Zverev’s Controversial Habit
Alexander Zverev’s lengthy pre-serve routine has been a topic of contention throughout his campaign at the 2026 US Open, drawing scrutiny from players and fans alike. Following his loss in the final of the New York Major, Ben Shelton shared his candid thoughts on Zverev’s time-consuming habit, revealing how it caused a disagreement with the chair umpire.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 2:29 AMUS Open: Ben Shelton suggest rule change over champion Alexander Zverev's ball-bouncing habit
The 2026 US Open will go down as a triumph for Alexander Zverev. With some grumbles along the way.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 2:29 AMUS Open: Ben Shelton suggests rule change over champion Alexander Zverev's ball-bouncing habit
The 2026 US Open will go down as a triumph for Alexander Zverev. With some grumbles along the way.
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